And Atoll (biosphere reserve)

And Atoll Biosphere Reserve is a Biosphere reserve located in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It was declared in 2007 and covers on area of 950 hectares (2,300 acres) on land and waters associated with the Ant Atoll.

UNESCO description

And Atoll is biologically and topographically representative of a vast majority of the atolls around Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It is the most biologically diverse and undisturbed atoll in Pohnpei, Pohnpei's number one marine Area of Biological Significance (ABS) and one of the identified 24 “Priority Action Areas” in the Eco-regional Plan under the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP).

Key information

Declaration Date: 2007
Surface Area: 950 ha
Administrative Division: And Biosphere Reserve ABR committee

Ecological characteristics

And Atoll is biologically and topographically representative of a vast majority of the atolls around Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

It is the most biologically diverse and undisturbed atoll in Pohnpei, Pohnpei's number one marine Area of Biological Significance (ABS) and one of the identified 24 “Priority Action Areas” in the Eco-regional Plan under the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP).

With a significant lagoon area of approximately 74 square kilometres (29 sq mi), the atoll, which is located 18.5 km south west of Pohnpei, is home to 13 species of reptiles, including the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), 25 bird species, seven mammals, and hundreds of other marine species.

The proposal to make a Biosphere Reserve presents an opportunity to create a model of sustainability. The relationship between the dynamic human economic system and the larger dynamic, but slower changing, ecological system, can support prosperous local initiatives indefinitely.

Done within the bounds of the atoll environment, as to not destroy the diversity, complexity and function of the ecological system, And atoll can stand as an example to the many other islands and atolls of Micronesia and the Pacific. And Atoll consists of thirteen low-lying, forested islets encircling a 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi) lagoon.

Human activities

Capacity building, fishery/fisheries, forestry, hunting, local participation, recreation, tourism.

There is a very small permanent, part-time population of caretakers on the island itself; therefore there is a very small human ecological footprint on the atoll.

However, there is a more significant population within the transition zone on the southwestern coast of Pohnpei Island.